PRINCIPaL’S INTRODUCTION “And so the long awaited summer holidays fast approach. Once again, life in St Mary’s has been busy but fruitful. We have had to grow accustomed to the sight of men in hi-visibility vests and hard hats as our greatly anticipated state-of-the-art Sixth Form Centre and Music and Creative Arts Space are well underway. Pupils have taken their presence in their stride, seemingly unaffected but also quite excited as they see the buildings that will add so much to their school experience taking shape before their eyes. We have welcomed many very special visitors to the school: given the announcement of severe cuts to school budgets, I invited local MLAs to listen to a host of young people and other local principals from the MLP. The young people did not shy away from the key questions; the strength of their questions reminding the elected representatives that they have so much responsibility to ensure that Northern Ireland will suit their needs and abilities in the years ahead. We also received a number of university personnel, UNICEF promoters, faith enriching speakers, sports experts, among others. It is always a joy to open our doors to others as a way of learning about life opportunities; in addition, it affords a great opportunity for us to provide those outside our gates with a little glimpse of what makes us so unique. I have also enjoyed being present at a great number of events when our pupils have been recognised for achieving excellence or have shown the value of team effort: I was present when Roisin McErlain achieved recognition for her volunteering; I applauded our Formula 1 girls (Molly Dixon, Katie Scullin, Karen Lagan, Emma McNally, Emma Dace) when they impressed the judges in Silverstone; I have thoroughly enjoyed all the sporting fixtures. I continue to take great pride in the talent, tenacity and joy of our pupils. As a community imbibed with the desire to help those less fortunate than ourselves, we have maintained that tradition and all year groups have been actively involved in some fund raising initiatives. Our Saphara team is again preparing themselves for a trip to India: we wish them every blessing and are so grateful for their selfless act taken on our behalf. It would be wrong of me not to acknowledge our academic success: in early May, the Belfast Telegraph revealed that we were in 6th Place at A-Level and 1st Place at GCSE - which we have maintained for the last four years – simply, this is superb and I am so delighted. The results may be owned by our students, but we know they are made possible because of the excellence of the teaching staff and the nurturing care provided at home. All in the St Mary’s community can therefore share in these very fine results! As always, this Newsletter only provides a snapshot of what it is to belong to St Mary’s….” Mrs D. Gillespie Principal LEaDING THE way Congratulations to the recently appointed Student Leadership Team. The new Head Girl is Ethlinn Walls; Head Boy is Ruairi O’Kane. The Deputies are Faoiltiarna Burke, Shauna Lennon, Sarah McNeill, Eoin McAuley, Kevin Small and Ryan Rocks. BUILDING THE FUTURE Work on a £4.5 million extension and refurbishment programme is well under way. Managed by building contractor, Connolly and Fee Ltd, the construction project follows a capital investment from the Department of Education as part of its School Enhancement Programme. Due for completion in February 2017, the school extension will feature a state-of-the-art Sixth Form Centre, including a study area, a social and recreational space and catering facilities. The new building will also include a Music and Creative Arts Space and a number of additional classrooms. Speaking about the project, Mrs Gillespie commented: “We are thrilled that the construction of our new building is now underway and we look forward to the improvements this will bring to our school. This extension marks another significant and exciting stage in the development and growth of St Mary’s. Our pupils will benefit hugely from the enhanced facilities and resources provided by the programme.” Creative and Expressive TOTaLLy TUNED IN! Congratulations to the Junior Choir on their success in the Ballymena Festival on Monday 29 February- receiving first place. They were so committed in the preparation stages, attending all rehearsals and being supportive and enthusiastic. Miss Flanagan further stated, “They were a credit to the school in both their singing and behaviour.” BBC RaDIO ULSTER, ‘GO THE DISTaNCE’ The Senior Choir, directed by Miss U Donnelly and accompanied by Miss Flanagan, was honoured to SCHOOL CHOIR OF THE yEaR be invited to take part in a fund-raising concert for the Mary Peters Trust on 13 February in the Island Before Christmas, the Senior Choir submitted a CD to a judging panel. A short time later, the choir Centre, Lisburn. It included soloists and choirs from across Northern Ireland. Prior to the concert, Dame members were told that they had been successful in gaining a place at one of the six regional heats. Mary Peters and concert director, Mr Ashley Fulton, visited the school to meet some of the students. After Christmas, the choir spent lunchtimes and even a few weekends, working extremely hard to Dame Mary spent some time chatting to the students about the importance of the trust, which raises raise their standard, as they knew they would face experienced choirs in this part of the competition. money for talented young athletes across Northern Ireland. She brought along her gold medal which On 10 February, twenty seven nervous and excited choir members departed for the Strule Arts Centre, she won at the 1972 Olympic Games in Munich. She remarked that music and sport require the same Omagh: when they arrived at the theatre, they were informed that they would be first to perform. They dedication from young students if they wish to be successful in either. The choir sang two songs, performed two songs, ‘Love Divine’ by Howard Goodall and ‘Choo, Choo, Charlie’ , by Doreen Irwin. They ‘Danny Boy’ , which is used as the official anthem for Northern Ireland at the Commonwealth Games rose to the challenge of the competition and performed with energy and enthusiasm. Directly after they and ‘Ain’t no mountain high enough’ . sang, one of the judges, Richard Yarr (Head of Classical Music at the BBC) commented on their excellent tuning and energy. Later, Richard Yarr announced that they had won their heat and would progress to the semi-final, to be held on 8 March. They were joined by the five other regional heat winners, to battle it out for a place in the Grand Final. The Senior Choir competed in their semi-final. Miss Donnelly, Head of Music, explained: “They sang beautifully but unfortunately did not win a place in the final. I am so proud of them, and the fact that they reached a semi-final in their first year of the competition is an amazing achievement.” The school community was able to tune in to Radio Ulster on Sunday 13 March from 2.00-3.00pm to hear their heat. a LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC HOLLywOOD On Tuesday 12 April, we hosted the annual Spring Concert. A fabulous array of talent was La-CINEFEST awaRD displayed for family, friends and staff. The two hour concert featured Junior Choir, Junior Orchestra, Junior Traditional Group, Senior Strings, Senior Choir, Senior Traditional and many Congratulations to past pupil Callum O'Hara whose Moving Image Arts A2 Level film, ‘Rough soloists, ranging from tin whistle to trumpet. These groups rehearse at various lunch times or Relations’, scooped the Audience Award at Hollywood’s prestigious LA Cinefest Film Festival. after school with Miss Donnelly and Miss Flanagan. The MC's for the evening were Year 13 Callum commented on it being fantastic. “The LACinefest organisers flew my family and I to Los students, Ryan McClelland and Jake Kuczogi who alternated between hosting the concert and Angeles to pick up my award. My film was shown at the Film Devour Film Festival in Belfast, at performing on drum-kit for soloists and groups. They even found time for a solo item with Ryan the Black Box, in the Cathedral Quarter of City. And, to top it all, my film was shown at the Wiper performing a drum-kit solo and Jake singing 'Through the years' . At the end of the concert, Film Festival in New York. awards were given to two students from each year group to acknowledge their endeavour and commitment to the Music Department. Mrs Gillespie also presented Aoife McErlane (Year 14) I want to give a big thank you to Mr Kalla in the Moving Image Arts department for a wonderful with her Grade 8 Violin certificate, which she gained in the ABRSM March examinations. Miss two years: he was inspirational, and, made me believe in myself. I will never forget my time at Donnelly remarked that it was a thoroughly enjoyable evening in which all students were able St Mary’s Grammar School.” to demonstrate their many skills and talents with confidence. It was a fantastic opportunity to hear the result of dedication and team work throughout the year. Proceeds raised on the evening were kindly donated to Saphara. OUR yOUNG aRTIST ON SHOw wITH THE OLD MaSTERS The work of Emily Quinn, one of our top students in Art and Design GCSE, was proudly selected for True Colours exhibition at the Ulster Museum in Belfast organised by CCEA and it showcases some of the most vibrant and stunning artwork viewed in the summer 2015 examinations.